Lexus GX test drive since 2010 SUV
Twins
It was difficult for me to resist the temptation, and not to tell about these two cars at the same time. In the end, they were created on the same platform, and there are more common in them than in twins from the famous Hollywood film. Both look like polarzeneggers, both are capable of exploits, and both enjoy the well-deserved reputation of honest (in the sense of frame) and truly reliable SUVs. But there are differences in the volume of muscles, in belonging to different classes, finally. I. Prado
In the snowy and frosty Lapland, where my first acquaintance with Toyota Land Cruiser Prado took place, the test drive was more like a technical seminar in combat conditions. A short introductory and here's a site where you can fully evaluate the advantages of the Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) system. And here, be sure to use the CRAWL CONTROL system, and do not forget to press the button with the inscription Camera Mode to display the image of what is happening under the wheels. Now on the rally route, and then on the clean ice where else do you feel the algorithm for the operation of the all -wheel drive transmission, and will you understand at what point should you use differential locks? And how do you like the KDSS electronic stabilization system? ..
In a word, a specially prepared instructor was always nearby and controlled each of my action, categorically forbidding to disconnect the stabilization system under any circumstances. As a result, I perhaps for the first time I got acquainted in detail with the entire off -road arsenal, which Prado has, and which I will try to tell a lot of the arsenal as much as possible. But I did not stay even five minutes with a car, which, frankly, prevented me from understanding it, establish a complete understanding with him. Therefore, I hope to get it for a more or less decent time already in Moscow and still return to the conversation about him on the pages of AI. Moreover, in this case we are talking about the gasoline version of Prado, and diesel was already entered the market.
But, before returning to the technical seminar, I will say a few words about the exterior, interior and equipment of Prado.
The fruits of evolution
By the way, the Land Cruiser Prado model is known for nearly 60 years, and during this time I managed to settle in six continents, including Antarctica. It is claimed that this is the most sold on the planet an all -wheel drive car, which, during its existence, conquered 5 million people from 176 countries.
Already a cursory glance at the new Prado is enough to understand: he retained the best family features, his athletic appearance still instills confidence in the driver, and he now looks quite modern. Compared to the predecessor, the SUV became 45 mm longer and 10 mm wider, but 20 mm lower, which allowed, in particular, to achieve a better aerodynamic resistance coefficient (CX \u003d 0.35). And at the same time to keep the surprisingly small radius of a turn of 5.8 meters. Already this indicator one can judge the maneuverability of a large car. A more solid bumper with built-in foglights appeared in front, a new radiator grille with vertical strips and large block facts equipped with xenon lamps, on the sides. When looking at the profile of a car, a model fan may notice that the so -called waist line is raised (20 mm), and the hood is noticeably shifted forward. In the repeaters of the turning indicators and in the rear lights, ordinary lamps gave way to LEDs. The back door, alas, still opens to the side, which is not very convenient in constrained metropolitan conditions. True, there is an opportunity to open (up) only glass in this door.
Prado potential owners will also not be superfluous to know that the minimum road clearance is 220 mm; The angle of entry the slope to which he can enter, without touching the front bumper of 32 degrees, the angle of tipping over 42 degrees, and the maximum depth of the overcome water barrier is 700 mm. I think travel lovers will agree with me these very good characteristics.
The interior was also thoroughly recycled. The front panel and the central console with a 4.2-inch color monitor from above are divided into several levels, which facilitates the reading of information and access to control of various systems. The speedometer and tachometer with the original Optitron backlight, as well as an on -board computer, are easily read with any light. The decoration of the salon will diversify the selected inserts for metal or elephant bone with taste.
The seats are very convenient, you will not get tired of such a long road. In addition, they have a fairly wide range of adjustments, including the degree of lumbar support. The steering wheel also moves in height and departure. The seats of the second row (40:20:40) can move within 135 mm separately from the backs, so that passengers space have the opportunity to regulate their own. And in the third row, two full -fledged chairs with headrests, which are easy to fold, providing an even floor in the luggage compartment. The capacity of the compartment depends on the selected modification, 5 or 7-seater. In the first case, the volume varies from 621 to 1935 liters, in the second from 104 to 1834 liters. Of course, there are quite different niches and compartments for all sorts of things. The car also has outlets for 12 and 220 V. From the equipment I will mention the possibility of accessing a car without a key, a three-zone climate control and a system of volumetric sound JBL with 14 speakers, which is offered in some trim levels.
Now it's time to return to the seminar.
Fearless electronics
If we evaluate the innovative systems laid down in Prado briefly, then we can say that they expand the off -road potential and, perhaps, increase the risk that the driver can go to. Yes, almost all of them were already known to me for two hundred Land Cruiser and Lexus LX of the latest generation. But something new appeared. I will illustrate these statements using the example of the CRAWL CONTROL system paired with Multi-Terrain Monitor.
To begin with, you should enter the Multi-Terrain Select system and select one of the four modes of Mud and Sand (dirt and sand), Loose Rock (gravel), mogul (uneven surface) or rock (rocky surface). The automatic transmission handle needs to be transferred to the H4 or L4 range. Depending on the selected mode, the electronics will automatically select the best operation parameters of all overclocking and braking systems, ABS, etc. But now you drove into a particularly difficult site, let's say, slippery, with snow, dirt and stones of a steep rise that could not be passing. It's time to use CRAWL CONTROL Control system at low speeds, although even in this case you can make the car move slower or faster. By installing the switch at the central console to the desired position, you can safely forget about the pedals and focus on driving the car yourself and will be stubbornly crawl forward. But here
you entered the hillock, and you see in the windshield only the sky, having no idea what awaits you in front, on the descent. In such a situation, even a person with iron nerves will somehow feel uneasy. But not in Prado! Because the cameras located in front and on the sides provide you with an exhaustive picture of what is in front and under the wheels. Moreover, a virtual yellow line extends from each front wheel, indicating the direction of movement at this position of the steering wheel. Therefore, you calmly overcome the site, on the assault of which you would hardly have decided.
Now briefly about some other systems, and primarily about the all -wheel drive system. It is based on a perfectly proven differential torsen. In the usual movement mode, the torque is distributed between the front and the rear axles in a ratio of 40:60. And it can be redistributed in the range from 50:50 to 30:70. Such an algorithm makes the behavior of the car in any conditions of movement to predictable. Even on ice (especially if you turn off the stabilization system), you will well foresee drifts and control the machine. There is also the opportunity to block the rear differential. Plus, this is important when driving an off -road from the back is installed either an adjustable adaptive suspension or an air suspension with electronic control.
In fact, the driver has the ability to change the characteristics of the suspension (AVS), choosing one of the three options for setting up the dumping parameters Normal, Comfort or Sport. I think explanations are not required here.
I really liked the kinetic stabilization system (KDSS). I will not go into the description of its device, I will only say that the engineers managed to find a very witty solution, connecting all four wheels with a single contour. As a result, on a flat road, the bodies of the body are minimized, the car does not suffer from wagging, perfectly holds in corners and, accordingly, is well controlled. And on off -road, on the contrary, the wheels bloom and demonstrate such moves that were difficult to even suspect.
There are other systems, in my opinion secondary, and on occasion I will tell about them.
Potential
Under the hood of the Land Cruiser Prado, a modernized V6 is installed with two upper camshafts and the Dual VVT-I gas distribution phase system. Despite the 13 percent increase in power compared to the previous version of the motor, the engineers managed to reduce the release of carbon dioxide and ensure its compliance with Euro-5 standards.
The potential of this engine is enough to feel quite confident both on the highway and outside the road. He vividly responds to the work of the accelerator pedal and provides a two -ton SUV very decent dynamic characteristics. The implementation of engine capabilities also contribute to the settings of a 5-speed automatic gearbox equipped with AI-SHIFT and endowed with a sports regime. The automatic transmission actually quickly adapts to the driving style, so when dynamic driving it is not even necessary to transfer the handle to position s Electronics will maintain fairly high speeds to ensure the pickup at the right time. True, when driving, you should not pay attention to the fact that the ECO indicator stubbornly does not want to light up on the dashboard, which indicates, of course, to the optimal environmentally friendly and economical mode of movement.
Perhaps it remains for me to say that Prado prices begin from a mark of 2 million 165 thousand rubles.
II. GX 460 In the sense of weather conditions, the Lexus GX 460 test was not much different from the Prado test: the same snow and cold, although under Peter, was closer to spring. And for some reason I wanted to imagine this luxurious SUV in more comfortable habitats. So I rejected the winter photo shoot and settled on the one that the company has clearly organized in warm edges. In addition, when this newspaper number is released, and we really hope it will already be warm.
But in terms of the organization, the test drive was different. Of course, we were still offered to test this car in impassable forests and at a tank training ground. But it all started more fun with a 120-kilometer run along normal roads, on which it was quite possible to evaluate the running qualities of the car.
Speed \u200b\u200band smoothness
Upon learning that in the first long section we have to move along the asphalt, I immediately converted an adaptive suspension into Sport mode, and never regretted it. Firstly, this mode does not mean at all that the GX turns into a stool, it supports more than a good level of comfort, even when road flaws are found in the way. There were not many of them on the St. Petersburg room. Secondly, an amazing smoothness of the course is ensured that you are not moving in a fairly heavy SUV, but in the sedan of the same premium class. Finally, the sports regime in the suspension settings gives the steering wheel and additional resistance at high speeds. And something, but Lexus GX can go quickly. For me, by the way, it remains a mystery why the maximum speed is limited to 175 km/h. It feels like it may well afford a more rapid movement. Another question is it necessary?
The 4.6-liter V8, caressing the hearing with a noble rumbling at high speeds, endows the SUV with excellent dynamic potential. 8.3 seconds to a hundred, believe me, a very good indicator for a car weighing two and a half tons. No less indicative is the fact that at almost any speed, up to maximum, under your right foot there is always a sufficient supply of power for a jerk. On the course of the trip, I was convinced of this more than once, accelerating both from 120 and 160 with almost the same success (may the St. Petersburg traffic cops forgive me). At the same time, I note along the way, neither the whistle of the wind or other extraneous sounds penetrated into the salon. Unless he came, as if from afar, the rustle of winter tires and the roar of the motor, which allowed, however, to speak, without raising his voice.
Here we should pay tribute to a 6-speed automatic transmission, endowed with a transmission control system with artificial intelligence (Artificial Intelligence-Shift Ai-SHIFT). Not only is it that she is adjusted without delay to the pace of the ride, the automatic transmission pleases with the absence of the slightest jerk when changing the ranges. Without such her ability, it would probably be impossible to achieve that same smoothness. Of course, the box has a Sport mode and allows you to change gears in manual mode. And it also helps to save fuel: even when driving at speeds over 120 km/h, a green indicator lit up on the dashboard, indicating that we are currently going in Eco Driving mode.
It is unnecessary to say that on Lexus GX the system of kinetic stabilization (KDSS) described above showed itself from the best side: practically no excessive bites during accelerations and braking, no frightening rolls during rapid restructuring and in corners. We can say that both this and all other systems involved when moving along the highway are fully coping with a difficult task to ensure confident management at a very high level of comfort. A sense of complete control over the car does not leave you for a moment.
As for the off -road qualities of the GX, in this regard it is not at all inferior to Prado, although a little more and heavier than the Toyota SUV. But more powerful. And, of course, in its arsenal it has not only the same frame structure, but also all those latest systems that its brother is endowed with. I absolutely assured of his abilities after we went stormed by such a wilderness, into which I personally would not risk sticking myself for any rugs on my own.
Style and comfort Unlike Prado, GX cannot boast of a long history, the model has been known since 2003, and now it has appeared only in the second generation. However, she managed to gain popularity in the main market in America, and is in sufficiently sustainable demand on other continents, including in Russia.
Created in accordance with the corporate philosophy, Lexus L-Face, GX 460 personifies its appearance two, at first glance, incompatible quality, severity and sophistication. However, this is, in its very essence, in the running qualities, which I have already mentioned. Muscular and, at the same time, the smooth contours of the body are combined, if you look closely, with details that you cannot refuse a certain elegance. Take the shape of headlights or a wide air intake with foglights, door handles or chrome lining. A sort of elegant athlete with itself. By the way, the GX 460 compared to the predecessor became 25 mm longer, and 20 mm below.
The decoration of the salon of the new GX is captivated by harmony. The combination of soft skin, wooden decor and metal looks quite natural and thoughtful. The smell of luxury is clearly felt here, but in no way to the detriment of ergonomics and functionality. In the driver’s place it is convenient, the chair is moderately soft and, of course, is equipped with adjustments with a wide range. It is pleasant to cast a glance to the devices, and on the entire front panel and a cetral console with an 8-inch monitor.
On the second, and even on the third row of seats, you can also sit with sufficient comfort. In this case, the third row, I note, has an electric drive and folds, it is worth clicking on the button. Wherever passengers are settled, they will always have cup holders and containers for small things at hand.
The three-zone climate control system allows you to install a microclimate separately for the driver, front passenger and passengers of the second row of seats. The air conditioner filter is able to save the salon from dust and pollen, and the intellectual air conditioning system performs air recirculation in such a way that only air is supplied through the front air intakes that has passed through the thin cleaning filter.
The new GX is equipped with the Mark Levinson audio system with 17 speakers and the ability to play DVD. For rear passengers, an entertainment system with two 7-inch monitors built into the head restraints of the front seats is also offered. It is controlled remotely, while each display can be included separately. There is also a navigation system with a hard drive that allows you to copy CDs along the way and store a lot of useful information. When parking for the same monitor in the central console, a picture is displayed, which the Multi-Terrain Monitor system forms using cameras installed in a circle in the front and back of the car and on the sides. The driver can choose the form, so no obstacle will eliminate from the field of vision.
In Russia, Lexus GX 460 is proposed in four trim levels Comfort, Executive, Premium and Luxury. The price range is from 2 980,000 to 3,465,000 rubles.
Oleg Osipov
Photo Toyota and Lexus
